Hunter X Hunter: Tombbound Power

Hanzo's mind raced as he pieced together the events. The more he thought about it, the clearer it became—everything fit.

Regret tinged his voice as he muttered, "Damn it! If I hadn't let my guard down, I could've made it onto the airship and passed the test like No. 406."

He clenched his fists in frustration. "But because we rested, we're stuck here, waiting for the next unknown challenge!"

As Hanzo's words sank in, a heavy silence fell over the remaining thirty or so examinees. His analysis made sense to them, too.

Kurapika chimed in thoughtfully, "That's right. This test isn't just about vigilance and crisis awareness. When collecting treasures and bringing them back for appraisal, there are likely hidden clues testing our observation skills, too."

He paused, a frown crossing his face. "Our first challenge in the Milsy Wetlands tested our ability to stay alert and sense danger. The second challenge likely measures our powers of observation."

Kurapika's voice lowered. "But because we got too comfortable... we failed this simple test."

Leorio slammed his fist into his palm in frustration. "Dammit! That makes so much sense!"

The rest of the examinees didn't speak, but their expressions mirrored Leorio's.

Hanzo clapped his hands, trying to lift the group's spirits. "We may have messed up, but we've still got a chance! We just need to be vigilant for what comes next."

"But how can we prepare if we don't know what this 'retest' involves?" one of the examinees asked nervously.

"Remember what No. 406 said about the meaning of the test? If this is a retest, it'll likely cover what we've faced before."

"The third test… was the Trick Tower," another examinee whispered.

"Exactly," Kurapika said, nodding. "It's a test of how well we respond to threats in unfamiliar, dangerous situations. Living on this deserted island without knowing what's coming next is exactly the kind of environment that tests our crisis response."

"That makes sense," Hanzo added. "In the Trick Tower, we faced all kinds of mechanisms designed to trap us."

"Our challenge," Kurapika continued, "was to work together as a group of three to make it through. The next test may also be about teamwork and cooperation."

The examinees exchanged glances, determination settling over them.

"Then let's stay sharp and face whatever's next!" someone shouted, rallying the group.

"Yeah!!"

From his position on the airship, Ronnel stared down at the impassioned examinees below. He wasn't the only one taken aback, the boss and his wife beside him wore similarly puzzled expressions.

Ronnel had no idea that his decision to board the airship to avoid the storm on the island would lead to such intense speculation. Hanzo and Kurapika had spun a whole theory out of thin air.

And yet, their guesses were eerily close to the truth.

The island was meant to test the abilities of the examinees to work together. But even though they were on the right track, Ronnel couldn't help but feel amused.

"Let them do what they want," he thought with a grin. "Meanwhile, I'll enjoy a couple of peaceful days on this airship before the next phase."

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

When the first rays of the morning sun streamed through the windows of the airship, Ronnel opened his eyes. After a brief exchange with the boss and his wife, he disembarked and boarded Lippo's ship, which was bound for the island to retrieve the other examinees.

During the trip, Lippo and Ronnel introduced themselves and exchanged contact information. Lippo was confident that Ronnel would pass the Hunter Exam and become a licensed Hunter. Getting to know a future colleague certainly didn't hurt.

Their conversation was light, and before long, the ship arrived at the rundown warship to pick up the surviving candidates.

"Thirty-one people," Ronnel muttered as he watched the examinees board the ship. 

However, thanks to Kurapika and Hanzo's speeches, this time the number of survivors hadn't decreased by much. Including Ronnel, there were thirty-two examinees left.

As the examinees settled on the ship, Lippo slowed the pace of their journey back to the Zevil Island, giving everyone time to rest.

Ronnel closed his eyes to meditate but was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

"What you choose to do is your decision," Ronnel said without opening his eyes. "Just like what I choose to do is mine. There's no need for you to concern yourself."

He cracked one eye open and saw Kurapika standing before him, hesitation written all over his face.

--------------

+153 chapters on patreon.com/FanficsHub